JP4213447B2 - Album creating method, apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an album creating method and apparatus for creating an album based on image data acquired by a digital camera, and a program for causing a computer to execute the album creating method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Create travel albums classified according to travel destinations based on image data acquired by digital cameras, and albums classified according to themes such as athletic meet at school or kindergarten, birthday party at home, Christmas party, etc. To be done. In particular, when creating a travel album, for example, image data in which information indicating the shooting date and time is described in tag information is matched with a layout database composed of a map, coordinates on the map, arrival time, and departure time. A system has been proposed in which a map and image data are provided on a layout selected from a layout database (see Patent Document 1). According to this system, it is possible to easily make a travel album while eliminating mistakes such as mistaking photographs.
[0003]
On the other hand, as the capacity of memory cards for storing image data in digital cameras has increased, a memory card having a capacity of several gigabytes is scheduled to be provided in the near future. By using such a large-capacity memory card, it is possible to shoot a large amount of image data in a high-capacity recording mode with a large capacity, so that a high-quality album can be created.
[0004]
Here, in a 1280 × 960 pixel recording mode in which an image quality level sufficient for viewing on a monitor is obtained, 398 frames can be shot with a 128 MB memory card. On the other hand, about 3200 frames can be taken with a 1 gigabyte memory card, and about 25000 frames can be taken with an 8 gigabyte memory card.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-126731
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the number of image data stored in the memory card increases, image data for a very long shooting period is stored in a large amount in the memory card unless the image data is frequently organized. Classification becomes very troublesome. For this reason, it takes time and effort to find out the image data necessary for creating the album, so that the arrangement of the image data is further postponed, the number of stored image data is further increased, and the classification of the image data is further increased. There is a problem that it becomes difficult.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to create an album by efficiently classifying a large amount of image data.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An album creating method according to the present invention creates album data including image data based on at least one image data obtained by a digital camera at a place of visit and provided with location information representing an obtained location. In
Based on the location information, calculate the distance between the acquisition location of the image data and a predetermined reference position,
Determine whether the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold,
Classifying the image data according to the determination result;
Album data corresponding to the classification result is created.
[0009]
Here, GPS information indicating the acquisition location is given to image data acquired by a digital camera having a GPS function. In such a case, the GPS information added to the image data can be used as the location information. Note that the GPS information is not limited to that obtained from the GPS means attached to the camera, and GPS information may be obtained from handy GPS means separate from the camera or from a car navigation system mounted on the automobile and may be added to the image data. .
[0010]
In addition, the mobile phone receives location information representing its location from the base station of the mobile phone. Therefore, the location information may be added to the image data by inputting the location information received by the mobile phone to the digital camera at the time of shooting.
[0011]
The “predetermined reference position” is a position used as a reference when calculating the distance from the acquisition location of the image data, and for example, the home or work place of the user of the digital camera can be used.
[0012]
In the album creating method according to the present invention, for a plurality of image data whose distance exceeds the predetermined threshold, based on the location information given to each of the plurality of image data, Create travel route information that represents the travel route,
Based on the travel route information, map data including the travel route is acquired from a map database storing a plurality of map data,
Based on the movement route information and the location information, the acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired is added to the acquisition locations of the plurality of image data on the movement route, and the acquisition information and the image data Album data including the map data associated with the image data may be created.
[0013]
“Movement route information” is information indicating the travel route at a visited place, that is, the route that has been reached from the departure point of the home or the like to the final destination.
[0014]
Here, the movement route information can be created by following the acquisition route of the image data using the location information given to each of the plurality of image data. Alternatively, the movement route information may be created by accepting an input as to what route has been reached to the final destination by manual operation.
[0015]
A “map database” stores a plurality of map data, and “a plurality of map data” includes data representing maps of various scales not only in Japan but also in various countries, railways, automobiles, bicycles. It is possible to use data representing a map showing a route according to the type of movement method, such as a ship, an airplane or even a walk. Moreover, since the conditions of roads and railways change with time, a plurality of map data corresponding to the age may be stored in the map database.
[0016]
The “acquisition information” is information that allows a viewer of the album data to recognize that image data has been acquired at a position on the movement path to which the acquisition data is assigned. Specifically, the map and the thumbnail image of the image data are displayed side by side, the line when connecting the thumbnail image and the acquisition location of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image with a line, the image data acquired by the digital camera A reduced map image is added to the image data as data included in the image data file like a standard Exif standard thumbnail image, and an image combined with an image and a map is replaced with an Exif standard thumbnail image. When the image data is acquired, a plot for plotting the acquisition location of the image data on the map, an icon assigned to the acquisition location, and the like can be used as acquisition information.
[0017]
“Associating the acquisition information with the image data” means that the contents of the image data acquired at the acquisition location can be understood. Specifically, the map and the thumbnail image of the image data are displayed side by side, and the thumbnail image and the image data acquisition location corresponding to the thumbnail image are connected by a line, such as an Exif standard thumbnail image file. When a reduced map image is added as data included in the image, and a combination of the image and the map is added to the image data instead of the thumbnail image of the Exif standard, the acquisition location of the image data is plotted on the map. In other words, an icon representing image data is assigned on the map in correspondence with the acquisition location of the image data, and the image data acquired at the location can be reproduced by clicking the icon.
[0018]
Here, the created album data may be stored on a website, recorded on a writable medium such as a CD-R, DVD-R, or memory card, and displayed on a monitor and printed out. Etc. and may be immediately replayed.
[0019]
In the album creating method according to the present invention, for the image data whose distance exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the relation related to the acquisition location of the image data is based on the location information given to the image data. Get information,
Album data including the related information may be created.
[0020]
“Related information” refers to image data acquired by others at or near the location where the image data was acquired, or music or sound that was prominent at or near the acquisition location obtained by recording in advance. If the acquisition location or its vicinity is a prominent location such as a historic site, text data indicating the location can be used. When the related information is image data of another person, it is preferable to include image data taken by a professional photographer, or image data of a photograph that cannot be taken normally, such as an aerial photograph or a bird's-eye view. The image data may include not only a still image but also moving image data representing a moving image.
[0021]
In the album creating method according to the present invention, album data corresponding to a predetermined theme may be created for image data whose distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.
[0022]
Here, for image data in which the distance between the acquisition location and the predetermined reference position is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, for example, at home, a school or kindergarten where children go to, a park in the neighborhood of the home, etc. Rather, there are many image data classified according to some event or event, such as a birthday party, a Christmas party, a school or kindergarten athletic meet, or a school entertainment event held at home. The “predetermined theme” means an event or event that has a high probability of being performed in the vicinity of the predetermined reference position.
[0023]
An album creating apparatus according to the present invention creates album data including image data based on at least one image data obtained by a digital camera at a place of visit and provided with location information representing an obtained location. In
Distance calculating means for calculating a distance between the acquisition location of the image data and a predetermined reference position based on the location information;
Determining means for determining whether or not the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold;
A classifying means for classifying the image data according to the determination result;
An album data creating means for creating album data according to the classification result is provided.
[0024]
In the album creating apparatus according to the present invention, for a plurality of image data whose distance exceeds the predetermined threshold, based on the location information given to each of the plurality of image data, A travel route creation means for creating travel route information representing a travel route;
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data including the movement route based on the movement route information from a map database storing a plurality of map data;
The album data creation means adds acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired to the acquisition location of the plurality of image data in the movement route, based on the movement route information and the location information, and It is good also as a means to produce the album data containing the said map data which linked | related acquisition information and the said image data.
[0025]
Further, in the album creating apparatus according to the present invention, for the image data whose distance exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the relation related to the acquisition location of the image data based on the location information given to the image data. It further comprises a related information acquisition means for acquiring information from a related information storage means in which a plurality of related information is stored,
The album data creation means may be means for creating album data including the related information.
[0026]
In the album creating apparatus according to the present invention, the album data creating means may be means for creating album data corresponding to a predetermined theme for image data whose distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.
[0027]
The album creating method according to the present invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the album creating method.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, based on the location information given to the image data, the distance between the acquisition location of the image data and the predetermined reference position is calculated, and whether the calculated distance exceeds a predetermined threshold value It is determined whether or not. Further, the image data is classified according to the determination result, and album data corresponding to the classification result is created. For this reason, even if the memory card of the digital camera has a large capacity and a large amount of image data is stored in the memory card, the image data can be efficiently classified according to the distance from the predetermined reference position of the acquisition location. This makes it easy to create an album.
[0029]
According to the second, sixth, and tenth aspects of the present invention, movement route information representing a movement route at a visited place is created for a plurality of image data in which the distance between the acquisition location and the reference position exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Based on the travel route information, map data including the travel route is acquired from the map database. Based on the movement route information and the location information given to the image data, acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired is given to the acquisition location of the image data S0 on the movement route, and the acquisition information Album data including map data associated with image data is created.
[0030]
For this reason, the image data can be easily associated with the acquisition location on the moving route of the map represented by the map data. Therefore, the album data can be easily created by easily associating the image data with the acquisition location.
[0031]
According to the third, seventh, and eleventh aspects of the present invention, image data for which the distance between the acquisition location and the reference location exceeds a predetermined threshold is determined based on the location information given to the image data. The related information related to the acquisition location is acquired from the related information storage means storing a plurality of related information, and album data including the acquired related information is created.
[0032]
For this reason, not only the image data photographed by the user but also information related to the place where the image data was acquired can be included in the album data, thereby making it possible to further enrich the contents of the album.
[0033]
According to the fourth, eighth, and twelfth aspects, album data corresponding to a predetermined theme is created for image data in which the distance between the acquisition location and the reference position is a predetermined threshold value or less. For this reason, it is possible to easily create an album according to an event or event having a high probability of being performed in the vicinity of a predetermined reference position.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an album creating system to which an album creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the album creating system according to the present embodiment is connected to a network 1 such as the Internet, and has a user who desires to create an album that performs various operations for creating an album as will be described later. Data is exchanged between the personal computer 2 and the album creation support server 3 which is similarly connected to the network 1 and stores image data S0 transmitted via the network 1 and creates an album.
[0035]
In this embodiment, in order to create an album, the user transmits image data S0 and information necessary for album creation from the personal computer 2 to the album creation support server 3, and the album creation support server 3 uses the image data S0. It is assumed that album data AL representing the album is created.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the acquisition of the image data S0 is performed by a digital camera owned by the user. Here, in the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera, shooting date / time information indicating the shooting date / time is described in the tag information. The digital camera owned by the user is provided with GPS means for receiving GPS information, and the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera represents the latitude and longitude of the acquisition place acquired by the GPS means. GPS information is given as location information.
[0037]
In addition, not only GPS means but also a mobile phone and a digital camera are connected, information indicating the location of the mobile phone transmitted from the base station of the mobile phone is input to the digital camera, and this is used as location information in the image data S0. It may be given.
[0038]
The personal computer 2 is connected to a card reader 2A that reads the image data S0 from the memory card that records the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera. The personal computer 2 is installed with image management software for managing the image data S0. This image management software has a function as a web browser that communicates with the album creation support server 3 and displays a web page for album creation. The user accesses the website of the album creation support server 3 using this image management software, and creates album data AL for the album creation support server 3 using a function for instructing the website of the image management software. Instructions shall be given.
[0039]
The album creation support server 3 is a storage means 31 composed of a large-capacity hard disk that stores various data and information, a web server 32 that is connected to the network 1 and manages the website of the album creation support server 3, and a personal computer. The album creation server 33 for creating album data AL using the image data S0 transmitted from the image data, the media drive 34 for recording the album data AL on the medium M1 such as CD-R or DVD-R, and the album data AL. A printer 35 for print output is connected by a bus 36.
[0040]
The storage unit 31 includes image data S0 transmitted from the user's personal computer 2 via the network 1, various templates for creating album data by laying out the image data S0, and a plurality of map data MP representing maps to be described later. Map database DB1 for managing the album, created album data AL, information on users accessing the album creation support server 3, software necessary for creating travel route information representing the travel route described later, etc. All the information necessary for processing such as album creation is stored.
[0041]
The storage means 31 is a template suitable for a travel album or capable of creating an album suitable for a theme such as a birthday party held at home, a Christmas party, an athletic meet held at a school or kindergarten, or a school festival as will be described later. Stored in.
[0042]
The storage unit 31 also includes images taken by professional photographers at various positions on the travel route on the map in consideration of cases where the user forgets to take a photograph on the travel route or when the visit location is prohibited from being photographed. And image data of photographs that cannot be acquired by normal shooting such as aerial photographs and bird's-eye photographs (hereinafter referred to as other-person image data to distinguish user image data S0). Yes. In addition, text data representing legends such as famous places and historic sites at various locations on the map, and spots such as audio data representing music and sounds of famous folk songs, etc., obtained by recording at that location Information is also stored in the storage means 31. The other person image data and the spot information are stored in association with information (for example, latitude and longitude) representing a place on the map.
[0043]
The map database DB1 stores a plurality of map data MP. Specifically, map data MP representing maps of various scales not only in Japan but also in various countries around the world, such as railways, automobiles, bicycles, ships, airplanes, and even walking routes according to the type of travel method of travel are shown. Stored map data MP is stored. Moreover, since the conditions of roads and railways change with time, a plurality of map data MP corresponding to the age is stored in the map database DB1. Furthermore, in order to reflect the preference of the user who requests the creation of the album data AL in the album data AL, map data MP that expresses the route of the railway, the route of the expressway, the route of mountain climbing, etc. is also stored in the map database DB1. Has been.
[0044]
User information includes user name, user ID, password, address, telephone number, age, occupation, and other user preferences (for example, driving is a hobby, rail trip is a hobby, overseas trip is a hobby, etc.) Information that can be estimated is included. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the latitude and longitude of the user's home are obtained based on the user's home address and are included in the user information. Here, the user information is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the album creation support server 3 by the user when the user registers in the album creation support server 3.
[0045]
When the user accesses the album creation support server 3, the user is authenticated by allowing the user to input a user ID and a password, and only the authenticated user is allowed to access the album creation support server 3. Is done.
[0046]
The web server 32 manages the website of the album creation support server 3, generates a web page to be displayed on the personal computer 2 when the album data AL is created, and transmits the web page to the personal computer 2. This web page allows the user to select the image data S0 necessary for creating the album data AL, transmit the image data S0 to the album creation support server 3, and input information necessary for creating the album data AL. And the created album data AL is displayed. The web server 32 also authenticates users who access the album creation support server 3.
[0047]
The album creation server 33 creates album data AL based on an instruction from the personal computer 2. The processing performed in the album creation server 33 will be described later.
[0048]
The media drive 34 stores the created album data AL in a medium M1 such as a CD-R, DVD-R, or memory card.
[0049]
The printer 35 prints out the created album data AL as an album. The printed album is bound and given to the user.
[0050]
Next, processing performed in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the classification process of the image data S0 performed when the album data AL is created in the present embodiment. It is assumed that the user has captured the image data S0 acquired by the digital camera into the personal computer 2 from the card reader 2A. Further, it is assumed that the user has started up image management software and uses the image management software to access the album creation support server 3 to create album data AL.
[0051]
First, an initial screen is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S1). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the image management software displayed on the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the initial screen 10 has a folder frame 10A for displaying a folder indicating the storage location of the image data S0, and a thumbnail image frame 10B for displaying thumbnail images of the image data S0 stored in the selected folder. An operation frame 10C for displaying various operation buttons and an instruction frame 10D for displaying an instruction button for giving an instruction to the album creation support server 3 are displayed. The initial screen 10 shown in FIG. 3 shows a state in which the 03 folder is selected from the five folders 01 to 05 in the digital camera image folder stored in the personal computer 2.
[0052]
In the thumbnail image frame 10B, a list of thumbnail images of the image data S0 stored in the selected folder and the file name of the image data S0 corresponding to each thumbnail image are displayed. In this state, when one thumbnail image is double-clicked with the mouse (not shown) of the personal computer 2, the image data S0 corresponding to the thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed in another window. In addition, when a single thumbnail image is single-clicked, the thumbnail image can be selected by inverting the thumbnail image or changing the color of the frame. Note that a scroll bar 10E is given to the thumbnail image frame 10B, and when the thumbnail images of all the image data S0 stored in the selected folder are not displayed in the thumbnail image frame 10B, the scroll bar 10E. By scrolling the thumbnail image frame 10B using, thumbnail images of all the image data S0 stored in the selected folder can be displayed.
[0053]
Various buttons are displayed on the operation frame 10C. Here, only buttons used for creating an album will be described. The capture button 11A is clicked when the image data S0 is captured into the personal computer 2 from a memory card inserted into the card reader 2A or a digital camera connected to the personal computer 2. The classification button 11B transmits all the image data S0 stored in the selected folder to the album creation support server 3, and notifies the album creation server 33 of the distance between the acquisition location of the image data S0 and the user's home. Accordingly, it is clicked when classifying the image data S0. The CD button 11C is clicked when an order for recording the created album data AL on the medium M1 is made to the album creation support server 3. The print button 11 </ b> D is clicked when print output of the created album data AL and bookbinding order are made to the album creation support server 3. The web button 11E is clicked when the created album data AL is stored in the album creation support server 3 and browsed as a web page.
[0054]
The instruction frame 10D includes a map import button 12A that is clicked when the map data MP is imported into the personal computer 2, an album creation button 12B that is clicked when the creation of the album data AL is instructed, and another person photographed as described later. The other person image button 12C clicked when the image data is assigned to the album data AL and the spot information button 12D clicked when the spot information related to the place where the image data S0 was acquired are given to the album data AL are displayed. Yes.
[0055]
Note that the map import button 12A refers to the location data representing the location where the image data S0 is acquired when the album data AL is created using the map data MP as will be described later. This is pressed when acquiring an MP.
[0056]
When the user selects a folder in which image data S0 for creating album data AL is stored in the folder frame 10A of the initial screen 10, a list of thumbnail images of the image data S0 stored in the selected folder is displayed as a thumbnail image frame. 10B.
[0057]
In this state, monitoring of whether or not the classification button 11B has been clicked is started (step S2), and if the determination in step S2 is affirmative, the personal computer 2 accesses the album creation support server 3 (step S3). Subsequently, an authentication screen (not shown) for inputting the user ID and password is displayed, and the input of the user ID and password is accepted (step S4). The web server 32 of the album creation support server 3 authenticates the user and determines whether or not the authentication is OK (step S5). If step S5 is affirmed, access is permitted (step S6), and the subsequent processing is performed. If step S5 is denied, access is denied (step S7), and the process ends.
[0058]
When access is permitted, a web page representing a transmission screen for allowing the user to transmit the image data S0 stored in the selected folder to the album creation support server 3 is created by the web server 32 (step S8). A transmission screen is displayed on the user's personal computer 2 in a window different from the screen 10 (step S9).
[0059]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transmission screen. As shown in FIG. 4, on the transmission screen 20, a transmission button 20A for transmitting the image data S0 to the album creation support server 3 and a close button 20B for closing the transmission screen without transmitting the image data S0 are displayed. ing.
[0060]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the transmission button 20A has been clicked (step S10). If step S10 is negative, the transmission screen 20 is closed as if the close button 20B was clicked (step S11), and step S1. Return to.
[0061]
If step S10 is affirmed, the image data S0 stored in the selected folder is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S12).
[0062]
In the album creation support server 3, after the image data S0 is received (step S13) and stored in the storage means 31 (step S14), the location information given to the image data S0, the reference position registered in advance, The image data S0 is classified based on the threshold value (step S15).
[0063]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the classification process. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the classification process is performed in order from the image data S0 with the oldest shooting date and time. First, based on the shooting date / time information given to the image data S0, the image data S0 with the oldest shooting date / time is read from the storage unit 31 as the first image data (step S101). Based on the location information given to the read image data S0, the distance D1 between the acquisition location of the image data S0 and the reference user's home is calculated (step S102). Specifically, the distance D1 is calculated from the location information given to the image data S0, that is, the latitude and longitude of the acquisition location of the image data S0 and the latitude and longitude of the user's home.
[0064]
Subsequently, threshold processing for comparing the distance D1 with the threshold TH1 is performed (step S103). Here, a value of about 5 km is used as the threshold value TH1. When the distance D1 exceeds the threshold value TH1, the image data S0 is classified as image data for creating a travel album as being acquired from a place away from home, that is, when traveling. (Step S104). On the other hand, when the distance D1 is equal to or less than the threshold value TH1, the image data S0 is classified as image data for creating an album according to the theme performed in the neighborhood of the home as being acquired in the neighborhood of the home. (Step S105).
[0065]
Next, it is determined whether or not the classification has been completed for all the transmitted image data S0 (step S106). If step S106 is negative, the image data S0 with the next shooting date and time is read from the storage unit 31. (Step S107), the process returns to Step S102, and the processes after Step S102 are performed. If step S106 is positive, the classification process is terminated.
[0066]
When the classification process ends, the web server 32 creates a selection screen for allowing the user to select the image data S0 classified as either for creating a travel album or for creating an album according to a theme (step S16). A screen is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S17).
[0067]
FIG. 6 shows a selection screen. As shown in FIG. 6, the selection screen 21 has a travel album button 21 </ b> A and a theme for the user to select the image data S <b> 0 classified for creating the travel album below the instruction frame 10 </ b> D on the initial screen 10. It differs from the initial screen 10 in that a theme button 21B for selecting image data S0 classified for creating a corresponding album is displayed.
[0068]
Subsequently, monitoring is started as to whether any of the travel album button 21A and the theme button 21B is clicked (step S18). When the travel album button 21A is clicked, the album data AL representing the travel album is created. Is done. On the other hand, when the theme button 21B is clicked, album data AL representing the album corresponding to the theme is created.
[0069]
First, processing when the travel album button 21A is clicked to create album data AL representing a travel album will be described. 7 to 10 are flowcharts showing the creation processing of album data AL representing a travel album. After the travel album button 21A is clicked, the image data S0 classified for travel album creation is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S21). Note that the image data S0 transmitted at this time may be of such a size that the contents can be understood when displayed on the personal computer 2, so that the size of the thumbnail image can be displayed on the personal computer 2 as described later. It is.
[0070]
The personal computer 2 displays the classified image data S0 (step S22). FIG. 11 shows a classified image display screen for travel albums. As shown in FIG. 11, on the classified image display screen 13 for creating a travel album, instead of the thumbnail image frame 10B on the initial screen 10, a list of thumbnail images of the image data S0 classified for creating a travel album is displayed. An image thumbnail display frame 13A is displayed and a return button 13B for returning to the initial screen 10 is displayed below the instruction frame 10D.
[0071]
Subsequently, monitoring of whether or not the map import button 12A has been clicked is started (step S23), and when step S23 is affirmed, the album creation server 33 adds the location information given to the classified image data S0. Based on this, travel route information is created (step S24). Specifically, based on the location information given to each of the classified image data S0, it is detected what kind of travel route the user has traveled and the detection result is generated as travel route information. .
[0072]
When the travel route information is created in this way, the map data MP including the travel route represented by the created travel route information is selected from the map database DB1 stored in the storage unit 31 (step S25). At this time, the map data MP reflecting the user's preference may be selected with reference to the user information of the currently accessed user.
[0073]
Here, the map data MP is selected to have a scale that can display the user's travel route to the maximum. It should be noted that a range in which the movement route can be displayed to the maximum extent may be cut out from the map data stored in the storage unit 31 as necessary, and this may be used as the map data MP. Further, since the map data MP for each age is also stored in the storage means 31, the map data MP of the age at which the image data S0 was taken is selected based on the shooting date / time information given to the image data S0.
[0074]
Then, the selected map data MP is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S26), and the map data MP is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step 27).
[0075]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a map display screen. As shown in FIG. 12, the map display screen 14 displays a map frame 14A below the folder frame 10A on the classification image display screen 13, and returns to the classification image display screen 13 below the instruction frame 10D. This is different from the classified image display screen 13 in that a return button 14B is displayed. The map data MP transmitted from the album creation support server 3 is displayed on the map frame 14A. In addition, on the map displayed on the map frame 14A, the movement route is indicated by a bold line, for example. Thereby, the user can check the map data MP used for the album data AL.
[0076]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the album creation button 12B has been clicked after the user has selected the image data S0 to be included in the album data AL (step S28). If step S28 is affirmed, the album creation support server 3 receives the album data. Album creation instruction information for creating an AL is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S29).
[0077]
The album creation support server 3 receives the album creation instruction information (step S30), and the album creation server 33 creates album data AL based on the image data S0 and the map data MP (step S31). Specifically, album data AL is created by arranging image data S0 and map data MP on a predetermined template.
[0078]
Since the date / time information is given to the image data S0, the map data MP may be selected for each day, and the album data AL may be created for each day when the image data S0 is acquired.
[0079]
The created album data AL is transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 2 (step S32).
[0080]
On the other hand, if step S28 is negative, it is determined whether or not the other person image button 12C has been clicked after the desired position on the map has been clicked (step S33). If step S33 is affirmed, the information on the clicked position on the map (referred to as click position information) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S34).
[0081]
The album creation support server 3 receives the click position information (step S35), and the other person image data corresponding to the click position on the map is read from the storage means 31 and transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S36). The other-person image data transmitted at this time may be of such a size that the contents can be understood when displayed on the personal computer 2, so that the thumbnail image can be displayed on the personal computer 2 as will be described later. Is.
[0082]
By selecting a desired area on the map, information on the selected area is transmitted to the album creation support server 3, and other person image data corresponding to the selected area is read from the storage unit 31 and stored in the personal computer 2. You may send it. Here, the region can be selected by an operation such as dragging the range with the mouse or designating the radius after clicking the center position.
[0083]
Other person image data is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S37). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an other person image display screen. As shown in FIG. 13, in place of the classified image thumbnail display frame 13 </ b> A on the map display screen 14, an other person image thumbnail display frame 15 </ b> A displaying a list of thumbnail images of other person image data is displayed on the other person image display screen 15. In addition, the map display screen 14 is different in that a return button 15B for returning to the map display screen 14 is displayed below the instruction frame 10D.
[0084]
The user can select other person image data to be included in the album by clicking a thumbnail image of the other person image data on the other person image display screen 15. At this time, a plurality of other image data may be selected. By clicking the return button 15B, it is possible to return to the map display screen 14 without selecting other person image data. Then, monitoring of whether or not the album creation button 12B has been clicked is started (step S38). If the determination in step S38 is affirmative, information specifying the selected other person image data (for example, a file of the selected other person image data) Name) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 together with the album creation instruction information (step S39).
[0085]
The album creation support server 3 receives the album creation instruction information and the information for specifying the other person image data (step S40), and the album creation server 33 reads the other person image data selected by the user from the storage means 31. Then, album data AL is created based on the image data S0, the other person's image data, and the map data MP (step S41). The created album data AL is transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 2 (step S42).
[0086]
On the other hand, if step S33 is negative, it is determined whether or not the spot information button 12D has been clicked after the desired position on the map has been clicked (step S43). When step S43 is affirmed, the information on the clicked position on the map (referred to as click position information) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S44).
[0087]
The album creation support server 3 receives the click position information (step S45), reads the spot information corresponding to the click position on the map from the storage means 31, and transmits it to the personal computer 2 (step S46).
[0088]
Spot information is displayed on the personal computer 2 (step S47). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a spot information display screen. As shown in FIG. 14, on the spot information display screen 16, a spot information display frame 16A displaying a list of spot information is displayed instead of the classified image thumbnail display frame 13A on the map display screen 14, and an instruction frame 10D is displayed. The point different from the map display screen 14 is that a return button 16B for returning to the map display screen 14 is displayed on the lower side. Here, the spot information display frame 16A displays a plurality of spot information to which numbers are assigned.
[0089]
If the spot information is audio data, a playback button 16C is displayed together with a description of the number and spot information. The user can reproduce the audio data by clicking the reproduction button 16C.
[0090]
The user can select spot information to be included in the album by clicking the spot information number on the spot information display screen 16. At this time, a plurality of pieces of spot information may be selected. By clicking the return button 16B, it is possible to return to the map display screen 14 without selecting spot information. Then, monitoring of whether or not the album creation button 12B has been clicked is started (step S48). When step S48 is affirmed, information for identifying the selected spot information (for example, the spot information number) is the album creation instruction information. At the same time, it is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S49).
[0091]
The album creation support server 3 receives the album creation instruction information and the information for specifying the spot information (step S50), and the album creation server 33 reads the spot information selected by the user from the storage means 31, and the image data Album data AL is created based on S0, spot information, and map data MP (step S51). The created album data AL is transmitted as a web page to the personal computer 2 (step S52).
[0092]
The album data AL transmitted to the personal computer 2 is displayed on the album display screen (step S53). FIG. 15 shows an album display screen. As shown in FIG. 15, the album display screen 17 displays an album display frame 17A displaying an album represented by the album data AL instead of the classified image thumbnail display frame 13A on the map display screen 14. The map display screen 14 is different from the map display screen 14 in that a return button 17B for returning to the map display screen 14 and a layout change button 17C for changing the album layout are displayed below the instruction frame 10D.
[0093]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a detailed layout of the album displayed in the album display frame 17A. As shown in FIG. 16, in the album displayed in the album display frame 17A, the movement path 18B of the user is indicated by a thick line on the map 18A, and an icon representing the acquisition location of the image data S0 along the movement path 18B. 18C is given. Note that one icon 18C is assigned at a position on the map where only one image data S0 is associated, and a plurality of image data S0 is at a position on the map associated with a plurality of image data S0. An icon 18C indicating that it is associated is assigned.
[0094]
Since the user normally travels back and forth on the travel route 18B, the color of the travel route 18B on the map 18A and the assigned icon may be different between the forward route and the return route.
[0095]
Here, associating the position on the movement path 18B with the image data S0 calculates the movement speed of the user from the departure time, the arrival time, and the distance of the movement path 18B, and gives the movement speed of the user to the image data S0. By calculating the distance moved from the departure point to the shooting date and time of the image data S0 based on the shooting date and time information, and setting the point of that distance on the movement path 18B to the position where the image data S0 was acquired. It can be carried out.
[0096]
When the user clicks an icon on the map 18A, a list 18D of thumbnail images of the image data S0 associated with the position is displayed below the map 18A. When the user gives an instruction to include other person image data or spot information in the album data AL, the thumbnail image list 18D includes the thumbnail image 18E or spot information 18F of the other person image data selected by the user. included. When the spot information is audio data, a playback button 18G is displayed. Here, the thumbnail image 18E of the other person image data has a frame color different from that of the user image data S0 in order to distinguish it from the user image data S0. When the icon at another position on the map 18A is clicked, the list of thumbnail images is switched to the image data S0, the other person image data, and the spot information associated with the position to which the icon is assigned.
[0097]
The user clicks the return button 17B on the album display screen 17 to return to the map display screen 14, the other person image display screen 15 or the spot information display screen 16 without performing processing such as output of the album data AL. be able to.
[0098]
On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the layout change button 17C has been clicked (step S54). If step S54 is affirmed, a layout change instruction is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S55).
[0099]
The album creation support server 3 receives a layout change instruction (step S56), and creates album data AL with the changed layout (step S57). That is, by changing the template in which the image data S0, the map data MP, the other person image data and / or the spot information is arranged, album data AL representing an album having a layout different from the album shown in FIG. 16 is created.
[0100]
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a layout in which a map 18A is displayed on a part of one image 18I and an image at a corresponding position on the map 18A is switched and displayed by clicking the arrow buttons 18J and 18K. Album data AL representing the album is created.
[0101]
The album data AL created again is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S58), the process returns to step 53, and the processes after step S53 are performed.
[0102]
If step S54 is negative, it is determined whether or not an instruction to output album data AL has been made by clicking the CD button 11C, the print button 11D, or the web button 11E (step S59). When step S59 is positive, an output instruction is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S60).
[0103]
The album creation support server 3 receives the output instruction (step S61), and outputs the album data AL according to the output instruction (step S62). That is, when the CD button 11C is clicked, the album data AL is recorded on the medium M1 by the media drive 34. When the print button 11D is clicked, the album data AL is printed out from the printer 35 and bound. When the web button 11E is clicked, the album data AL is stored in the storage unit 31 and is used for browsing via the network 1.
[0104]
When the album data AL is printed out, one sheet is printed for each acquisition location of the collected image data S0 on the map 18A. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, in one print, the icon on the moving path 18B of the map 18A is specified by surrounding it with a circle 18L, and is acquired at the acquisition place where the specified icon is given. The image data S0 is printed as a list. Note that since the print cannot generate audio data, the playback button 18G in FIG. 16 is not displayed on the print.
[0105]
In the personal computer 2, it is determined whether or not an end instruction has been given (step S63), and when step S63 is affirmed, the process ends. If step S63 is negative, the process returns to step S22. In addition, also when step S43 is denied and step S59 is denied, it progresses to step S63 and it is determined whether the completion | finish instruction | indication was made.
[0106]
Note that print output can also be performed by a user printer connected to the personal computer 2.
[0107]
Next, processing when the theme button 21B is clicked on the selection screen 21 shown in FIG. 6 to create an album corresponding to the theme will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process of creating album data AL representing an album corresponding to a theme. After the theme button 21B is clicked, the image data S0 classified for album creation corresponding to the theme is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S71).
[0108]
The personal computer 2 displays the classified image data S0 (step S72). FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a classified image display screen for creating an album corresponding to a theme. As shown in FIG. 20, on the classified image display screen 41 for creating an album according to the theme, a classified image thumbnail displaying a list of thumbnail images of the classified image data S0 instead of the thumbnail image frame 10B on the initial screen 10 is displayed. A display frame 41A is displayed, and a pull-down menu 41B for selecting an album theme, a transmission button 41C for transmitting information representing the selected theme, and the initial screen 10 are displayed below the instruction frame 10D. Is different from the initial screen 10 in that the return button 41D is displayed.
[0109]
In the pull-down menu 41B, album themes such as an athletic meet, a birthday party, Christmas, a school festival, and a festival can be selected. Then, monitoring is started as to whether or not the transmission button 41C has been clicked after the selection of the image data S0 and the theme for creating the album (step S73). If step S73 is affirmed, the selected image data S0 and the selected theme are selected. (Hereinafter simply referred to as information) is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S74).
[0110]
The album creation support server 3 receives the selected image data S0 and information on the selected theme (step S75), and creates album data AL corresponding to the theme (step S76). Specifically, a template having a design corresponding to the theme is read from the storage unit 31, and the album data AL is created by arranging the image data S0 on the read template.
[0111]
The album data AL transmitted to the personal computer 2 is displayed on the album display screen (step S77). FIG. 21 shows an album display screen. As shown in FIG. 21, on the album display screen 42, an album display frame 42A displaying an album represented by the album data AL is displayed instead of the classified image thumbnail display frame 41A on the classified image display screen 41. A difference from the classified image display screen 41 is that a return button 42B for returning to the classified image display screen 41 and a layout change button 42C for changing the layout of the album are displayed below the instruction frame 10D. In FIG. 21, album data AL when Christmas is selected as the theme is displayed in the album display frame 42A.
[0112]
The user can return to the classified image display screen 41 without performing processing such as output of the album data AL by clicking the return button 42B on the album display screen 42.
[0113]
On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the layout change button 42C has been clicked (step S78). If step S78 is affirmed, a layout change instruction is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S79).
[0114]
The album creation support server 3 receives the layout change instruction (step S80), and creates album data AL based on the changed layout (step S81).
[0115]
The album data AL created again is transmitted to the personal computer 2 (step S82), the process returns to step S77, and the processes after step S77 are performed.
[0116]
If step S78 is negative, it is determined whether or not an instruction to output album data AL has been made by clicking the CD button 11C, the print button 11D, or the web button 11E (step S83). If step S83 is positive, an output instruction is transmitted to the album creation support server 3 (step S84).
[0117]
The album creation support server 3 receives the output instruction (step S85), and outputs the album data AL according to the output instruction (step S86).
[0118]
In the personal computer 2, it is determined whether or not an end instruction has been given (step S87), and the process ends when step S87 is affirmed. If step S87 is negative, the process returns to step S72. In addition, also when step S83 is denied, it progresses to step S87 and it is determined whether completion | finish instruction | indication was made. Here, the print output can also be performed by a user printer connected to the personal computer 2.
[0119]
Thus, in this embodiment, based on the location information given to the image data S0, the distance D1 between the acquisition location of the image data S0 and a predetermined reference position such as the user's home is calculated, It is determined whether or not the calculated distance D1 exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH1, the image data S0 is classified according to the determination result, and album data according to the classification result, such as a travel album or an album according to the theme. An AL is created. For this reason, even if the memory card of the digital camera has a large capacity and a large amount of image data S0 is stored in the memory card, the image data S0 depends on the distance between the acquisition location of the image data S0 and the predetermined reference position. Can be efficiently classified, so that the album data AL can be easily created.
[0120]
In the present embodiment, when the album data AL representing the travel album is created, the travel route information representing the travel route at the visited place is acquired based on the location information given to the image data S0, and the travel route acquired is acquired. Based on the information, the map data MP including the movement route is selected from the map database DB1, and further, based on the movement route information and the location information given to the image data S0, the acquisition location of the image data S0 and the map data MP are selected. The album data AL is created by associating the location on the travel path 18B on the map 18A shown.
[0121]
For this reason, it is possible to easily associate the image data S0 with the acquisition location on the travel route 18B of the map 18A, thereby easily associating the image data S0 with the acquisition location, and an album representing a travel album. Data AL can be easily acquired.
[0122]
Further, by acquiring information related to the acquisition location of the image data S0, such as other person image data and spot information, and creating the album data AL based on this information, only the image data S0 acquired by the user can be obtained. Instead, information related to the place where the image data S0 is acquired can be included in the album data AL. Therefore, the contents of the album can be further enhanced.
[0123]
In addition, when creating album data AL that represents an album according to the theme, album data AL is created according to the selected theme, so an album corresponding to an event or event that has a high probability of being performed at home or in the neighborhood of the home. Can be created.
[0124]
In the embodiment described above, when the album data AL representing the travel album is created, when the other person image button 12C is clicked, the other person image data corresponding to the clicked position on the map is transmitted to the personal computer 2 to the album data AL. Other person image data is included, but moving image data associated with the click place may be used as the other person image data instead of the image data.
[0125]
In the above embodiment, the map data MP is selected based on the travel route information and the user information when creating the album data AL representing the travel album. However, the album creation server 33 stores the map data MP for each user. It is preferable to learn selection patterns and gradually reduce the number of map data MP candidates to be selected according to the user. Thereby, map data MP can be selected efficiently for every user.
[0126]
In the above embodiment, the album creation support server 3 is accessed from the personal computer 2 and the album data AL is created in the album creation support server 3. However, the information stored in the storage means 31 is stored in the personal computer 2. By storing software that can be stored in the album creation server 33 and installed in the personal computer 2, the user can create album data AL using the personal computer 2 without accessing the album creation support server 3. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an album creating system to which an album creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing image data classification processing performed when creating an album in the present embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the image management software
FIG. 4 shows a transmission screen.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing classification processing.
FIG. 6 shows a selection screen.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) showing processing performed when creating a travel album in the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 2) showing processing performed when creating a travel album in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (No. 3) showing processing performed when creating a travel album in the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 4) showing processing performed when creating a travel album in the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 shows a classified image display screen for creating a travel album.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a map display screen
FIG. 13 shows another person image display screen.
FIG. 14 shows a spot information display screen.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an album display screen
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a detailed layout of an album displayed in an album display frame
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an album whose layout has been changed.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the layout of a printed album
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing performed when creating an album corresponding to a theme in the embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a classified image display screen for creating an album according to a theme.
FIG. 21 shows an album display screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 network
2 PC
3 Album creation support server
10 Initial screen
13 Classification image display screen for travel album creation
14 Map display screen
15 Other image display screen
16 Spot information display screen
17 Album display screen
20 Send screen
21 Selection screen
41 Classification image display screen for album creation according to theme
42 Album display screen
31 Storage means
32 Web server
33 Album creation server
34 Media Drive
35 Printer

Claims (9)

In an album creation method for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which location information representing an acquisition location is acquired, which is acquired by a digital camera at a visit destination.
Based on the location information, calculate the distance between the acquisition location of the image data and a predetermined reference position,
Determine whether the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold,
Classifying the image data according to the determination result;
For image data with the distance exceeding the predetermined threshold, based on the location information given to the image data, related information related to the acquisition location of the image data is stored as a plurality of related information. Obtained from information storage means,
An album creation method comprising creating album data including the related information . For a plurality of image data in which the distance exceeds the predetermined threshold value, based on the location information given to each of the plurality of image data, create travel route information representing a travel route at the visited site,
Based on the travel route information, map data including the travel route is acquired from a map database storing a plurality of map data,
Based on the movement route information and the location information, the acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired is added to the acquisition locations of the plurality of image data on the movement route, and the acquisition information and the image data The album creating method according to claim 1, wherein album data including the map data associated with each other is created. 3. The album creating method according to claim 1, wherein album data corresponding to a predetermined theme is created for image data whose distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold. In an album creating apparatus that creates album data including image data based on at least one image data to which location information representing an acquisition location is acquired, which is acquired by a digital camera at a visit destination.
Distance calculating means for calculating a distance between the acquisition location of the image data and a predetermined reference position based on the location information;
Determining means for determining whether or not the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold;
A classifying means for classifying the image data according to the determination result;
For image data with the distance exceeding the predetermined threshold, based on the location information given to the image data, related information related to the acquisition location of the image data is stored as a plurality of related information. Related information acquisition means acquired from the information storage means;
An album creating apparatus comprising album data creating means for creating album data including the related information . For a plurality of pieces of image data whose distance exceeds the predetermined threshold value, a movement for creating movement route information representing a movement route at the visited site based on location information given to each of the plurality of image data Route creation means;
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data including the movement route based on the movement route information from a map database storing a plurality of map data;
The album data creation means provides acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired at the acquisition location of the plurality of image data in the movement route based on the movement route information and the location information, and 5. The album creating apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said album creating device is means for creating album data including said map data associating acquired information with said image data. 6. The album creation unit according to claim 4, wherein the album data creation unit is a unit that creates album data according to a predetermined theme for the image data whose distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. apparatus. A program for causing a computer to execute an album creation method for creating album data including image data based on at least one image data to which location information representing an acquisition location is acquired, which is acquired by a digital camera at a visit destination In
A procedure for calculating a distance between the acquisition location of the image data and a predetermined reference position based on the location information;
A procedure for determining whether or not the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold;
A procedure for classifying the image data according to the determination result;
For image data with the distance exceeding the predetermined threshold, based on the location information given to the image data, related information related to the acquisition location of the image data is stored as a plurality of related information. Procedures to obtain from information storage means;
A program for creating album data including the related information . A procedure for creating movement route information representing a movement route at the visited site for a plurality of image data whose distance exceeds the predetermined threshold, based on location information given to each of the plurality of image data When,
Obtaining map data including the travel route from a map database storing a plurality of map data based on the travel route information;
The procedure of creating the album data includes providing acquisition information indicating that the image data has been acquired at the acquisition location of the plurality of image data on the movement route based on the movement route information and the location information. The program according to claim 7, which is a procedure for creating album data including the map data in which the acquired information and the image data are associated with each other. The program according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the procedure for creating the album data is a procedure for creating album data corresponding to a predetermined theme for image data whose distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

Images